jmcquown wrote:

> > Well all the other relatives were there to so I almost had to go.
>
> That's just silly. Say politely, "No thank you, I appreciate the invitation
> but I have other plans."

You can always lie. I did my family duty and went to Christmas dinner at my
brother's because my mother's health is not good and this may be her last
Christmas. So I got to spend the evening with a clinically depressed brother,
his dullard wife and socially retarded 31 year old son. I am grateful that my
wife came along and indulged my family. My other two brothers would not go
because they despise the host and hostess. I didn't want to hurt his feelings.
I had my son come down to join us. When my mother is no longer around for
Christmas I will be making excuses. It's a special time of year and I really
hate spending it with the depressed family when I could be having a better time
with other family members, even in-laws.